A new wellness experience has quietly opened its doors in Selkirk. Relax ASMR Spa, located at the back of The Gypsy Traders, offers clients a unique sensory environment designed to soothe the mind, body and spirit using ASMR techniques.
The spa’s founder, Anna Massey, owner of The Gypsy Traders, discovered ASMR — short for Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response — a few years ago through online videos. Fascinated by the calming effects, she decided to bring the practice to Selkirk.
“Your body responds to certain cues and gets tingles or shivers,” Massey explained. “That sensation is what calms you down.”
ASMR involves triggering a tingling sensation through gentle sounds, light touch or focused attention, creating a deep sense of relaxation. Massey describes the experience as similar to massage therapy, but instead of working on muscles, it targets the senses to help release tension and stress.
Becoming an ASMR’tist — the term for someone who administers ASMR sessions — is, for Massey, a way to offer a unique wellness service to the community. She is self-taught and emphasizes that anyone can benefit from ASMR, especially those dealing with stress or anxiety.
Massey’s vision for a Selkirk-based ASMR spa began last year. While ASMR spas have gained popularity in larger cities such as Toronto, she believes Relax ASMR Spa is the first of its kind in Manitoba. Unlike other services that focus on scalp massages alone, her sessions provide a full sensory experience, primarily from the upper back and up, with optional grounding techniques for the legs and feet.
The spa’s interior reflects Massey’s vision of a cozy, welcoming space. “After looking at a few locations, the back of The Gypsy Traders felt perfect,” she said. “The store already has a warm atmosphere, and I wanted my clients to feel immediately comfortable.”
Relax ASMR Spa offers three appointment options: a 15-minute introductory chair session for $25; a 30-minute chair or table session for $60; and a 50-minute full chair or table session for $85.
Sessions incorporate a variety of tools, including brushes, scalp massagers, aromatherapy with essential oils, sage smudging and a singing bowl. The longer appointments allow clients to experience all tools, while shorter sessions can be tailored to personal preference.
Appointments are by booking only and are available by call or text at 204-793-1721 or by email at anna@relaxasmrspa.com. Massey is flexible with scheduling, offering sessions in the evenings or on weekends. The spa space is private, with appointments scheduled outside of The Gypsy Traders’ operating hours, creating an intimate and serene experience focused solely on relaxation.
Clients are encouraged to arrive about 10 minutes early to settle in and to wear comfortable, lightweight clothing such as a tank top or thin T-shirt. For hygiene, all equipment is sanitized between appointments. Massey communicates with clients through whispers, providing affirmations and guided relaxation; however, clients are not expected to respond.
While Massey dreams of expanding Relax ASMR Spa to multiple locations or hiring additional ASMR’tists in the future, her current focus is creating a welcoming and calming space for her clients.
“I want to calm your mind, body and soul,” she said. “I know how much this relaxes me, and I see how much tension it takes off your body.”
Relax ASMR Spa is located at the back of The Gypsy Traders, 238 Manitoba Ave., Selkirk. For more information or to book an appointment, visit www.relaxasmrspa.com or follow the spa on Instagram at @relaxasmrspa.
